The home of Emil Tapnio, a development worker, never fails to impress anyone that pays a visit. From having artwork by local artists and travel finds from all over the country to handcrafted furniture and unique pieces, it is a hodgepodge of everything Filipino—prompting a few to assume that money is no object for him.

In reality, however, fixing up this place didn't come easy for Emil. He has been living in this studio-type space ever since he moved out of his family home in Pasig in 2007. “When I moved in here, siyempre wala akong gamit. For a couple of weeks, natutulog ako sa karton. Nilalagyan ko lang ng bed sheet na pinahiram ng mga kaibigan,” Emil narrates.

Eventually, after he started working and saving up, he was able to buy everything he wanted for his home—from the chairs and décor, down to the kitchen appliances. Emil’s apartment may be small, but it is filled not just with beloved pieces but also with life lessons that will stay with him forever.